Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology

The Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology (PhD) with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology focuses on the psychology of human performance in professions that demand excellence in psychomotor performance. This program applies theories of emotion, cognition, and motivation to understand peak performance. Course topics include foundations of performance psychology, psychomotor performance, principles of behavior modification, psychology of leadership and performance enhancement. This broad research degree typically appeals to those looking to advance their career in industries including sports, medical, business, sales, marketing, government or higher institutions of education.

In earning a PhD in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance Psychology, learners will examine empirical, research-based approaches to understanding mental and thought processes including memory, reasoning, intelligence, motivation and learning. Learners will examine the social, group and multicultural factors affecting individual behavior, the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control. The construction, analysis and interpretation of psychological tests to measure learning outcomes are also taught. The goal is to improve learning and performance conditions including regulating emotion, attention, information-processing factors, strategies and decision-making.

The application of performance psychology is broader than that of industrial/organizational psychology, though both share a common goal of improving employee performance through similar means, such as goal setting.

Learners are advised to inquire directly with their state if they intend to pursue licensure, as this degree does not lead directly to licensure in and of itself. Entry to this program requires a graduate degree and related coursework.

For those seeking a doctoral level degree designed for those who want to consult or lead change management in an organization, you may also want to consider:

Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

For some individuals, a doctoral degree may seem out of reach. At Grand Canyon University, we have designed our PhD program to include an integrated dissertation process, two hands-on residencies, as well as a dynamic, virtual community to help keep learners connected and provide support throughout the doctoral journey.

Course List

Course #

Course Title

Course Description

Credits

RES-811

Introduction to Advanced Graduate Studies and Scholarship

This course introduces students to the principal elements of research and scholarly writing. Learners explore approaches to synthesizing literature and the application of the major components of APA form and style, and learn to coordinate literature searches. Furthermore, they learn how to discern principal arguments, analyze research questions, and clearly identify the key scholarly attributes to journal articles and other sources of scholarly data. This course also introduces learners to the University‛s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility scholars have in continuing a tradition of contributing to an ever-growing body of knowledge.

3

PSY-802

Psychoanalysis and Psychodynamic Theory

This course is an introduction to the nature, origins, and history of psychoanalysis and psychotherapy. Although not a clinically based course, the course does address the psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic strategies used to assist individuals with managing personal and inter-personal issues leading to improved mental health

3

PSY-803

Behaviorism

This course examines the historical and theoretical background of the behavioristic movement and its major works. The course also examines methods and techniques to help teach and learn new behaviors as well as the concepts and strategies to diminish or eliminate unwanted behaviors.

3

RES-825

Theories of Inquiry

The course provides an overview of the approaches to inquiry and the methods applied to gain knowledge of the human condition including epistemology and hermeneutic interpretation. These approaches and methods are contrasted with those applied to inquiry in the natural sciences. Consideration is given to the broader social and cultural components that contribute to the refinement of existing knowledge and the creation of new knowledge in the social and human sciences.

3

PSY-831

Foundations of Performance Psychology

This course is designed to apply theories of emotion, cognition, and motivation to performance and explore the variables related to performance excellence. Application of performance psychology principles to applied settings is also addressed.

3

PSY-804

Humanistic, Transpersonal and Existential Psychology

This course explores the historical roots, theoretical foundations, major works, and guiding philosophy of Humanistic, Transpersonal and Existential (HTE) psychology. This course also examines the different approaches to studying HTE as it relates to human motivation, needs, will, love, and existence in a contemporary world.

3

RSD-851

Residency: Dissertation

This residency allows students to begin developing their skills as academic researchers. Residency sessions address topics such as research question development, design, item generation, subscale development and analysis, and basic hypothesis testing. Students have hands-on experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis software.

3

RES-845

Statistics

This course provides a study of theories of probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods.

3

PSY-833

Psychomotor Performance

This course introduces motor learning and control principles, constructs, laws, and theories, and their application to individual skill learning.

3

PSY-835

Principles of Behavior Modification

This course examines theoretical and empirical approaches to learning theory and behavior modification. The course focuses on the fundamental approaches and applications of learning theory and applied behavioral analysis to modify behavior.

3

RES-855

Qualitative Research Methods

This course provides students with an overview of qualitative methods and offers students the opportunity to apply and interpret qualitative research. Topics include data collection, data analysis, appropriate qualitative inquiry, and theories of qualitative methods.

3

PSY-837

Applied Psychology of Leadership

This course provides an overview of leadership theories and models from a psychological perspective. It introduces leadership development within the individual, group, and organization, focusing on the skills and abilities of effective leaders.

3

RSD-881

Residency: Presentation of Progress or Results

This residency prepares students to present their scholarly work and to thoughtfully critique the work of others. Students orally present papers developed in their own classes and respond to questions from colleagues. Students are further prepared to become active members in academic communities by learning how to review papers and provide comments.

3

PSY-815

Ethical Issues In Psychology

This course serves as the foundation for ethical study in the field of psychology. Ethical issues in research, writing, psychotherapy, forensic psychology, and animal research are covered. The origins of ethical practices—including the philosophical theories of ethics, the Christian worldview, and the APA code of ethics—are also addressed.

3

RES-880

Formalizing the Research Prospectus

Learners complete a cogent research prospectus as the foundation for their dissertation research proposal. Emphasis is placed on fully articulating a study design and methodology that is aligned with the research questions and developing the first iteration (draft) of Chapter 3 of the dissertation. The prospectus is formally approved by the College of Doctoral Studies. Prerequisite: RES-866.

3

PSY-839

Performance Enhancement

The purpose of this course is to apply psychological theories and principles. The learner completes an applied project utilizing a case study.

3

PSY-885

Developing the Research Proposal

In this course, learners formalize their research proposal specific to their topic. Emphasis is placed on fully developing Chapter 1 and incorporating Chapters 2 and 3 (drafts) from previous research courses. This proposal becomes the first three chapters of the dissertation upon approval of the final draft by the College of Doctoral Studies. Prerequisite: RES-880.

3

PSY-955

Dissertation I

This course introduces students to the final phase of the doctoral study in psychology: the doctoral dissertation. Students plan, conduct, analyze, and interpret original research, and submit their final product for approval during an oral defense. This course offers students the opportunity to select an appropriate topic, and draft the first three sections of their dissertation (introduction, literature review, and methods).

3

PSY-960

Dissertation II

Following successful completion of PSY 955, students continue their work toward the completion of their dissertation by gaining both committee and IRB approval for their proposal, conducting their data collection in accordance with the methods selected in their proposal, and analyzing the results. By the end of this course, students should have the fourth chapter of their dissertation completed. Prerequisite: PSY-955.

3

PSY-965

Dissertation III

Following successful completion of the two preceding dissertation courses, students finish their work on their doctoral dissertation and submit it for final approval during the oral defense. This course affords students the opportunity to draft a discussion section that interprets their findings, as well as an abstract that summarizes their findings. Students also draft their front and back matter, including appendices, tables, and a reference section. The final step in this course is to defend the doctoral dissertation, obtain final committee approval, and submit the document for publication. Prerequisite: PSY-960.

3

Required Course Total Credit:

60

Courses:

60 credits

This program is offered in the following formats or locations:

Online

The dynamic capabilities of GCU’s online curriculum offer considerable flexibility and convenience for career oriented professionals who are pursuing their educational goals. Full time faculty members, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Our small class sizes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Classes begin frequently.

Evening

The convenience of GCU’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals. Evening classes meet once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom, filled with career minded individuals. Evening class sizes are kept small, providing a warm nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. Classes begin frequently at various locations.

Program SOC

It is the policy of the University to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations which require the University to remit tax where applicable. These regulations vary by location. Please note: It is also the policy of the University to require payment of sales, use, excise, and/or gross receipts tax. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the University regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.5%. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.0%.

Book costs are based on an average. Costs may increase or decrease depending on electronic availability or publisher's book costs.

Room and board costs may be higher or lower depending on housing and meal plan choice. This number is based on an average for students on campus.

Some Non-Traditional programs may be offered on the ground campus or on-line.

N/A identifies that a program is not offered in that modality or that fewer than 10 students graduated within the reported timeframe.

Tuition and Fees for each program are based on current rates. Future Tuition and Fee Rates may vary. Tuition was calculated using the number of credit hours in the program times the current tuition rate and includes the Graduation Fee. Full time students enrolled at a program taken at the main campus include a Student Activity Fee, charged every semester. Online programs include a one time Learning Management Fee. Some programs may also include additional fees based on course materials.

On-time graduation rates and median loan debt are based on students who graduated in the 2011-2012 award year.

Not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities.